Portland's iconic pink boxes feature outrageous donut creations. Bacon Maple Bar and Voodoo Doll draw tourists and locals.
Voodoo Doughnut was founded in 2003 by Tres Shannon and Kenneth 'Cat Daddy' Pogson in a small shop at 22 SW 3rd Avenue in Portland's Old Town neighborhood, Oregon, and has since become one of the most recognizable independent food brands in the Pacific Northwest. The shop's founding philosophy was one of deliberate weirdness: the menu was designed to be outrageous, the décor was dark and kitschy, and the hours were around the clock — a combination that turned what might have been a novelty act into a genuine Portland institution. The Bacon Maple Bar — a raised doughnut glazed with maple frosting and topped with two strips of crispy bacon — is the shop's most famous creation and one of the first doughnuts to combine sweet and savory in a way that the mainstream media noticed. The Voodoo Doll, a doughnut shaped like a human figure filled with raspberry jelly and pierced through the chest with a pretzel 'stake,' is the most photographed item. The Cock-n-Balls (raised doughnut in a phallic shape), the ODB (Oreo, peanut butter, banana), and various seasonal and holiday creations extend the theme of gleeful irreverence. The bright pink boxes in which Voodoo Doughnuts are packaged have become one of Portland's most recognized souvenirs. The shop has expanded to additional Portland locations, as well as Eugene, Austin, Denver, and Hollywood, though the Old Town original retains the character and the line culture that define the brand. Lines at the original location, particularly on weekends and at late-night hours, are endemic and considered part of the experience.
Signature dishes
- Bacon Maple Bar — $4
- Voodoo Doll — $4
Good to know
- Hours
- Open 24 hours
- Reservations
- Walk-up, expect lines
Location
22 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204
45.5226, -122.6738 View on map
Highlights
- Bacon Maple Bar: maple-glazed doughnut with two strips of bacon — the creation that put Voodoo on the national food media map
- Voodoo Doll doughnut: raspberry-filled figure pierced by a pretzel stake; the most photographed item in the shop
- Original Old Town Portland location open 24 hours; the late-night line is as much a Portland experience as the doughnut itself
- Bright pink boxes that have become one of Portland's most recognized food souvenirs
- Founded 2003 by Tres Shannon and Kenneth Pogson; independent and still operating from its original location
Tips for visiting
- Visit between 2–5 a.m. for the most authentic late-night line experience and usually slightly shorter waits than the 10 p.m.–1 a.m. rush
- The Bacon Maple Bar and Voodoo Doll are the two essential orders on any first visit — buy a half-dozen to sample more
- Cash is accepted but cards are now standard; the line moves steadily
- The pink box travels well and is a reliable Portland gift; doughnuts keep reasonably well for four to five hours
- The Hollywood, Los Angeles and Austin locations are more accessible and have shorter lines for those outside Portland
Accessibility
The original Voodoo Doughnut Old Town location is at street level on SW 3rd Avenue with accessible entry from the street. The shop interior is small and can be extremely crowded during peak hours. The ordering counter is at a standard height. The line on the sidewalk is the main accessibility consideration — extended standing outside is required during busy periods.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Why is Voodoo Doughnut famous?
Voodoo Doughnut became famous for combining extreme creativity in doughnut preparation — bacon on maple glazed dough, human-shaped jelly-filled dolls, cereal-topped rings — with a 24-hour operation and a genuine cult following in Portland that preceded and influenced the broader artisan doughnut movement.
Are the doughnuts at Voodoo Doughnut actually good?
The doughnuts are made with standard yeast-raised and cake doughnut bases; the distinction is in the toppings and concepts rather than artisan technique. They are considered enjoyable and fun rather than technically exceptional. The experience and the creativity are the primary draw.
Is the original Voodoo Doughnut location open 24 hours?
Yes. The original SW 3rd Avenue Old Town Portland location is open 24 hours a day, every day. This has been a defining feature since the shop's founding and is central to its identity.
Are there Voodoo Doughnut locations outside Portland?
Yes. Voodoo Doughnut operates locations in Eugene (Oregon), Austin (Texas), Denver (Colorado), Hollywood (California), and additional cities. The full current list of locations is on the Voodoo Doughnut website.
What is in the Voodoo Doll doughnut?
The Voodoo Doll is a raised doughnut shaped like a human figure, filled with raspberry jelly, and topped with chocolate frosting. A pretzel stick is inserted through the chest as a 'stake.' It is the shop's most visually iconic and widely photographed item.